DOCTOR Who has received a Guinness World Record for the world's largest ever simulcast of a TV drama.

The special 50th anniversary show set a new world record after being broadcast in 94 countries across six continents following a massive global campaign.

In addition to the TV broadcast, the episode was screened in more than 1500 cinemas worldwide, including in the UK, US, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Russia and Scandinavia.

More than half a million tickets were sold for the theatrical screenings at which fans were able to watch the episode in spectacular 3D.

News_Rich_Media: Matt Smith and David Tennant interviewed behind the scenes of the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special

First broadcast on BBC One on November 23, 1963, Doctor Who is already in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful sci-fi series.

The show began with little fanfare and few expectations but is now one of its biggest hits and major exports

The award was presented by Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, to the show's executive producer and head writer Steven Moffat at the Doctor Who Celebration at London's ExCeL.

Moffat said: "For years the Doctor has been stopping everyone else from conquering the world. Now, just to show off, he's gone and done it himself!"

Tim Davie, from BBC Worldwide, said: "We knew we were attempting something unprecedented in broadcast history, not only because Doctor Who is a drama, unlike a live feed event such as a World Cup football match or a royal wedding, but because we had to deliver the episode in advance to the four corners of the world so that it could be dubbed and subtitled into 15 different languages.

"If there was any doubt that Doctor Who is one of the world's biggest TV shows, this award should put that argument to rest - and how fitting for it to receive such an accolade in its 50th year."

Meanwhile, The Day of the Doctor reached 1.5 million Australian viewers, or 9.3 per cent of the 5 city metro population.

"It's clear that The Doctor is adored by millions of people around the globe and we're thrilled that ABC TV was able to be part of this phenomenal global broadcast, bringing the Time Lord's 50th anniversary adventure to fans in Australia." said Brendan Dahill, Controller ABC1.

Peter Capaldi will replace the current Doctor Who, Matt Smith, next year, who announced in June that he was leaving the sci-fi show.

The 55-year-old Scottish actor is the 12th actor to take up the coveted TV role.